UB: What has been your biggest challenge in business and how did you overcome it?
Being in business provides ongoing opportunities to learn and grow and like most business owners I have had my share of sleepless nights. My biggest challenge in business however had little to do with business stresses and came about due to personal loss. The result was natural enough and I totally lost my business motivation (Mojo).
I had 5 employees who depended on me not to mention significant capital invested in the business and I needed to choose my path forward.
The 3 key things that get me through any challenges personally or professionally are
- What I decide it means – does this situation define who I am or is it just an experience
- Who am I going to show up as? At each point in my life when I have been faced with one of Life’s challenges, I decide who I am going to show up as – victim or the victor! (no prizes for guessing what I choose)
- Am I committed or interested? The test for me is if I am interested I will do what’s easy, if I am committed I will do what it takes (even when the road back is slow), including getting outside help.
UB: If you had to start your business or employment again from scratch, what would you do differently?
I have to say that I am really grateful for the experiences I have had over all the different businesses I have been involved in during my working and business career. The main things I wish I had embraced when I was really young and starting my first business were:
- Asking for advice from the right people (not friends and family)
- Confidence in my own ability,
- Trust in myself
UB: Who do you admire and why?
I admire all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons. In Business I am fascinated by Richard Branson – I marvel at how his mind must work to have created the Virgin Empire in a relatively short amount of time. How he keeps pressing the bounds of what is possible personally and professionally, and has so much fun doing it!
UB: It takes a lot of determination and dedication to succeed in business. What keeps you motivated?
You know I just love business, and I accept that like all other aspects of life we cycle through the good the bad and the awesome! It’s all about being willing to embrace ALL of it.
When I hit one of those slumps - when I want to give up (yes everyone goes through those) I remind myself that it’s temporary.
Taking some time out to rejuvenate and to get refocused on who I am and what I truly want from my life!
Then I call my coach to help me get refocused on my goals.
UB: What are your 3 biggest success tips?
- Know what YOU want - It’s hard to get excited about other people’s plans or goals for you, much less make them happen. Don’t compromise your dreams.
- Ask Yourself Great Questions – your unconscious mind will answer any question you ask – so ask questions that will get you empowering answers! What about -How did I get so Lucky?
- Have Fun – just cause you can.
Tell us about Lenore!
I live with my fabulous partner Glenn, my awesome son Bryce along with our very precocious cat Tina. I love the water and Glenn & I have a 28ft yacht that we currently sail at Port Stephens.
I think business is a fun thing to do as well as a great way to earn an income.
Making a contribution is important to me and I get to do that through my work as well as through my work as a volunteer. In this vein I am an ambassador for Asthma Foundation NSW raising awareness of the serious nature of asthma. My son Bryce and I are parent/teen coaches for The Centre for Hope coaching teens as risk between the age of 12-16yo. (I told you he was awesome!)
The Business stuff – I am the author of Ignite Your Business Mojo, a professional speaker and business coach to solo and micro-preneurs.
You can take my entrepreneurial mindset questionnaire at http://www.IgniteYourBusinessmojo.com